Surname Scherm - Meaning and Origin
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Scherm: What does the surname Scherm mean?
The last name Scherm is a German name, thought to have originated in the late medieval period from an older name Schormann or Schromann. It is thought to have derived from the Middle High German term “schōr,” meaning “barrier” or “fence.” The name was likely given to one who lived near or owned such a barrier. Over time, the name evolved into Scherm, but retained its original meaning.
Today, those with the name Scherm can be found mainly in Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and a few other scattered regions. Although the name is not incredibly popular, it is still widespread enough to have distribution to other countries, including the United States.
It is likely that the original bearer of the name Scherm was a family of nobility, as the name traditionally signified land ownership and higher status. To this day, those bearing the name are said to carry certain characteristics such as intelligence, ambition, and leadership.
Overall, it is likely that the name Scherm is a strong symbol of both pure German origins and a heritage of nobility and class.
Order DNA origin analysisScherm: Where does the name Scherm come from?
The last name Scherm is most commonly found in Germany and areas of Europe where German is spoken. It is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages as a regional or occupational name derived from the German word “schurm” meaning “defender.” Variations of the last name include Schermann, Schermer, Scharmer, Schermeier, and Schermeierin.
Within Germany, the name is most commonly found near the Netherlands border in Lower Saxony, Bavaria, and in areas near the Rhine or Mosel Valley Rivers. Those with the surname may have part of the extended family in Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Luxembourg, France, and the Netherlands.
Interesting facts about the Scherm name include: its regional popularity in Germany, its long history, and strong ties to Germany. According to the Historisches Lexicon der Deutschen Länder allische and sudetendeutsche (2005), the Scherm name is one of the oldest surnames in Germany, having its earliest documented references in 1311. The name remains popular in parts of Germany today, over 700 years later. It is a testament to the endurance of a family’s legacy and heritages that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Variations of the surname Scherm
Scherm is an occupational surname of German origin derived from the Middle High German word “scherm” meaning ‘shield’. It is primarily found in southwestern Germany, particularly in the Rhineland area. In other regions, the spelling may be spelled with various variants and alternative spellings. These include Schurm, Schermer, Scharman, Scharmack, Scharmen, and Schärmann.
Some common spellings of the surname beyond the core German form include Schermerhorn, Sheermans, Scrimgeour, Scrimgeur, Skarmack, Scramack, Skarmacki, Skarmisky, Skarming, Shardman, Schurman, Schurmann, Scarmack, and Scharman.
Surnames of similar origin include Schärrer (‘weapon sharpener’), Scherr (‘basket-maker’), Schermacher (‘shield-maker’), and Scherf (‘shield-bearer’). Each of these names was formed from the Middle High German word “scherf” meaning ‘shield’ or ‘guard’.
The range of spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Scherm is quite expansive. In some regions and countries, such as the United States and Canada, it is common for many different spellings and surnames to be found. Its versatile range of spellings and surnames of similar origin speaks to its longevity in the German language and its presence in various regions of the world.
Famous people with the name Scherm
- Max Scherzer: professional baseball player
- Paul Schermerhorn Jr.: chairman of Lord Abbett & Co.
- Robert A. Scherm: former CEO of Zurich Insurance Group
- William Schermerhorn: CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway
- Victoria Scherrer: fashion designer
- Renee Scherm Anderson: fashion editor and stylist
- Alan Schermerhorn: former provost of Indiana University
- Josh Schermer: radio host
- Irwin Schermer: artist/ sculptor
- Jack D. Schermer: historian and professor